What to Pack for Our Birding Tours in Ecuador

Prepare for your birding adventure in Ecuador with our carefully sample packing list! With diverse ecosystems ranging from the Andes to the Amazon, having the right gear ensures your experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Essential Items

• Daypack: A compact, lightweight daypack is a must. Weather in the highlands changes quickly, so carrying a jacket and other essentials is vital.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the high-altitude sun.
• Birding Cap: You’ll receive a complimentary cap from Ecuador Birds Tours.
• Sunglasses: Essential for reducing glare while birdwatching.
• Travel Documents & Money: Bring your passport, credit cards, and small-denomination cash for local purchases in $5, $10 or $20. Large bills are hard to get change. 
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other essentials.
• Insect Repellent: Absolutely necessary for the Amazon region and lowlands.
• Binoculars: High-quality binoculars are strongly recommended for birdwatching.
• Camera: A camera with extra batteries and memory cards is perfect for capturing memories of your trip.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: Bring a small, reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for nighttime exploration.

Clothing and Footwear

• Lightweight Long Pants: Quick-drying pants are ideal for the Amazon and cloud forests. Avoid jeans.
• Long-Sleeved Shirts: Quick-drying, lightweight shirts protect against sun and insects.
• Short-Sleeved T-Shirts: For warmer days.
• Hiking Socks: One pair per day specially in the rainforest.
• Light Windbreaker or Fleece Jacket: Essential for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Warm Jacket: A must for the chilly Andes highlands.
• Warm Hat & Gloves: Keep these handy for early-morning birding in the Andes.
• Bathing Suit: For swimming if needed. Some of our lodges like Jimenita, Sachatamia, San Isidro, Ojo de Agua, Sacha Lodge, do have a swimming pool available. 
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for trails and urban exploration.
• Rubber Boots: Needed for muddy trails in the jungle. Amazon lodges provide boots so no need to bring them, but if your size is smaller than a US women’s 5 (EU 35) or larger than a US men’s 12 (EU 46), we recommend bringing your own. 

Optional Extras

• Field guide for Ecuadorian birds: We recommend Fieldbook of the Birds of Ecuador, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and Miles Mcmullan. You can find it in Amazon or please request one to our sales agent for $40.00. 
• Small notebook and pen for taking notes during birding outings.
• Lightweight rain poncho.
• Reusable water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

How much luggage can I bring? 

• For International Flights it will depend in your ticket conditions.
• For Local flights to Galapagos and Coca, each passenger is allowed one checked bag weighing up to 23kg and one carry-on up to 10kg.
• For smaller flights within Galapags from Isabela to Baltra, the allowance is one checked bag up to 15kg. Any excess baggage fees can be paid directly at the airline counter. If you have luggage you won’t need, you can store it at our lodge, Hacienda Jimenita, free of charge before your Galapagos or Coca flights.

Our Birding Guide's Equipment 

• Fieldguide of the Birds of Ecuador 
• Birding App of Ecuador 
• Laser Pointer 
• Spotting Scope for Birding 
• Playback bird callings 
• Binoculars for self use 
• and most important Top Experience finding birds and making your birding tour in Ecuador a lifetime memory. 

How can I contact my Tour Manager?

• You can reach Diego Cruz, our tour manager and organizer, 24/7 via WhatsApp at +593 993732879 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He will be in constant communication with our guides and staff to run a smooth birding tour for you.

We look forward to have you with us and thanks for Choosing Ecuador Birds Tours. If you have any questions please let us know.